To Consider the need for National Minimal Standards of public assistance in cases of old age, sickness, disablement and other cases of undeserved want.

To examine all Central and State Schemes in operation for the poor, in cases of old age, untimely death of bread-earner, serious illness and for persons with disability and suggest a comprehensive framework for national policy and coordinated implementation of the policy by the Centre, States and Local Government Institutions.

To examine the changes made in the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) since its inception and suggest measures for revising this programme for providing minimal social protection for the socially excluded categories.

To consider the unorganized workers' social Security Bill, 2006 prepared by the
National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganised Sector and harmonise the
minimal protection and promotion measures suggested in this Bill with the need for a
national policy towards the vulnerable referred to in Item 2.

To study the implementation of NSAP in all the States in the country and suggest a better procedure jointly to be operated by the Centre, State Governments and Local Government Institutions.

IV. The Chairperson of the Working Group may set up sub-group/task forces, if necessary for undertaking in-depth studies.

V. The Working Group may co-opt non-official experts/representatives of other agencies if required.

VI. The expenditure of the official members for attending the meetings of the Working Group will be borne by the respective parent-Department / Ministry / Organisations as per the rules applicable to them. The expenditure regarding TA / DA of non-official Members will be borne by the Planning Commission according to the appropriate rules and practices.

VII. The Working Group will submit its final report to the Planning Commission by 30.11.2006.